The Big Starting School Advice Sheet

So, it's that time of year again - all over the country, little ones are soaking up the end of their summer holidays, ready for school to start in September. Whether you're wishing the days would speed up so life can return to normality, or slow down so you can spend just a bit more time with your little bug, school is on the horizon.

No matter how you're feeling, I'm here for you. With nearly 10 years experience in supporting families as they transition their little ones from Preschool to Primary Schools, here's my main piece of advice:

Take a deep breath. Acknowledge your feelings. And keep on going.

It is perfectly valid to dread your little one starting school, as the end of a chapter. It is also perfectly valid to celebrate your little one starting school, if it enables you to do whatever else you need to do. All feelings are okay here. Be aware that your emotions are likely to impact your little one too, + the more okay you are feeling about school, the less scary it will feel to them - but that doesn't mean you have to hide how you are feeling. Acknowledge it + move on, if you can.

So, it's a week before school starts. Here's what you can do:

Start Talking to Your Little Bug About School

We all fear the unknown, so make school more familiar by bringing it up more frequently. Go school shopping together + let your little one pick out a pencil case + bottle they're excited for. Talk about school routines; share photos of their new teachers + classrooms. If you live locally enough, practice walking past school + encourage your little one to envision themselves playing in the playground with all of their new friends.

Boost Your Little One's Confidence with Affirmations

Introduce affirmations to your little one's routine so they have a chance to embed before school. These simple, FACTUAL statements are positive reinforcements of your little bug's incredible skills. Recite them as part of your bedtime routine (this would work beautifully as part of a butterfly cuddle) to ensure their brains are filled with confidence, about how they will handle the transition, not fear.

Practice Deep Breathing/Yoga Poses to Help Your Little Bug Feel Calm

Now is a perfect time to introduce deep breathing exercises or calming yoga poses. Coach your little ones through ways to help their body feel safe (in child's pose or head to knee pose, for example), + ways to make their bodies feel brave - try taking up space in star, superhero, or warrior 2 for a reminder that they are brave + capable. As for breathing exercises, try bumblebee breaths, or blowing games with feathers + bubbles to help extend your little one's exhale.

Share School Stories

Again, this is another way to make school feel more familiar + safer. Most of these books involve characters feeling unsure about the transition, but ultimately overcoming these fears + having lots of fun! My favourites are:

• The Colour Monster Goes to School - Anna Llenas - a heartwarming look at all of the emotions involved in going to school for the first time

• Starting School - Janet + Allen Ahlberg - This is pure nostalgia for me. If you're a 90s child, read this with your little one for all of the cosy feels! (It's surprisingly still relevant!)

• Hooray, it's Our First day! - Martha Mumford - We collect these, so it's hardly surprising that I would include one. I particularly enjoyed the optimism + excitement this captures though.

• Love - Corrinne Averiss - A BEAUTIFUL book about separation anxiety with a focus on schooling.

• Ollie's Back to School Bear - Nicola Killen - Again, we collect this series, but this story is a whimsical + fun take on going to school.

There are also plenty of starting school books featuring popular characters like the Paw Patrol Pups, Peppa, + Peter Rabbit, so if your little one has a particular favourite, they may provide motivation too!

Now, it's the day before school starts. Here's what I'd suggest:

Have Special Time Together

Obviously, not everyone can have the day before school starts off, but if you're able to wangle an early finish/late start, try to use that time to do something special for your little one. That could be a cafe date, where you chat about the changes that will happen. Perhaps you have a family meal together. It could just be a walk around your neighbourhood or trip to the park. Just try to mark the occasion, if you can.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Of course it's never guaranteed, but I'm a firm believer that the more sleep you get, the easier the next day is. Try diffusing lavender oil at bath time for calming vibes, some comforting bedtime stories, + a night time meditation for your little one, + for you, for that matter!

Make their First Morning Magic

Create a little ritual in your little one's first morning before school. Treat them to a special hairstyle, or a particularly fancy breakfast (hint: toast with Nutella + sprinkles = fancy to a 4 year old, + takes no time to make - you can fill them nutrients tomorrow!). If your little one is worried about leaving you, perhaps give them a little token to remind them of you throughout their day: a smiley face drawn on both your wrists can help them feel connected to you, + should be acceptable in schools that don't allow teddies or comforts etc. Of course, if you both feel up to it you could do the obligatory first day photo shoot... but remember, if your little one is scared, the most valuable thing they can have is an extra long cuddle with you. Who says a first week/month photoshoot when your little bug has settled in can't be as valuable a memory?

And finally...

Plan Something Fun for their First Weekend

Have something special in mind for you both to look forward to, but remember: starting anything new is exhausting. It's okay if your special thing isn't an all singing day out, + is a day at home, with no rushing, your attention, + a snuggly movie. Chances are, they'll need the rest to decompress after their first week, + you will too!

And there you have it! Plenty of ideas to help your little one make the transition to big school. I hope that everything goes smoothly for you in this time, + if you ever need to chat, I'm always available. If you're interested in more of this content, check out my instagram, or come along to one of my TinyBugs Flow sessions!